Facebook or Face time?

I was in the neighborhood of an elderly friend visiting a prospect.  I decided to pop in on her while I was close to her.

She was delighted.  We had a great time and I relished in her gratitude and seeing another dimension of her.

When I asked her if she was on Facebook and perhaps we could be friends, she said:

"Forget Facebook...I want face time!"

Now that is worth pondering.  While Facebook and other social media outlets are great, I concur with my friend:  Seeing someone in person is better than via Facebook.  It's hard and time consuming but, where possible, try face time.

Go anyway

Recently, I oversaw the entire publication of a Memorial Service for a client who lost his mother.  He was extremely difficult through the process...very mean spirited and unkind.  I just held my breath and attributed it to the recent death of his mother.  So, I soldiered through.  But I was so disenchanted that I almost stayed away.

But I didn't.  I attended the Memorial Service and the client spent several minutes praising and extolling me about what a great job I had done. Everyone there came up to me with hugs about how the program comforted the family.  And, several took my business card.  So, while the process was difficult, he was more than gracious and made me (almost) forget the horrible experience of working with him under those circumstances.

But I'm glad I decided to....go anyway.

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter and all social media are changing the face of selling.  Recently, I used Craigslist and other outlets to rent a house that I own.

VOILA!  Found great tenants.  Before I resorted to Facebook.... I'd advertise in the Sun Times for mucho bucks.  This didn't cost a thing.  And, I'm using these outlets more with client needs..

So use it and save money!

Post-Conference

I always take a few days to enjoy the city where I'm working.  AKA had its Boule in San Francisco and I barely got out of the press room.  However, I spent an extra two days there and basked in the glory of this fair city without running into too many pink and green ladies.  It was a pleasure and a great way to end the conference.  And, knowing that we did a superb job made it even better.

Sweet Satisfaction of a job well done

Last Thursday my firm handled the PR for the naming of the street in honor of Ed and Betty Gardner.  We generated so much positive press and the client credited MELODY'service with getting the crowd in.  So, when it's all over, and you're responsible and did a good job,  reflect on its success and congratulate yourself.  I'm still basking in it...but must move on to the next event.  Alpha Kappa Alpha's Boule in San Francisco!

Attend conferences

I attend the National Association of Black Journalists convention every year.  It's the perfect opportunity to meet journalists, renew acquaintances and strengthen your media contacts.  Plus, I always have a good time.  This is the first year I stayed in the host hotel and it was worth every penny to be able to hob nob in the lobby at all hours without worrying about having to get to another hotel.  I have also leveraged by NABJ membership in every market I enter.  It's a membership, and conference that have paid off in dividends.

You never know

I recently stretched to a contact about doing a segment on a client.  I knew it was a "no go" but, surprisingly, he led me to another great contact on the same station with more exposure.  The key to the "hit" was that I'd offered to give the station an exclusive.  That sort of nod reaped bigger benefits and the client is MUCHO happy.